Well, we have been told for the last four years, Edmonton is loaded with D prospects. Yet, I see the same garbage thrown out there every year. Letang being blind folded easily is the best defenseman in Edmonton.
- Oneonta Penguin

Ah I see.

As opposed to this being a conversation where you've become aggravated about Letang, Eberle, or either team's needs, this is a conversation where you've become aggravated about how arrogant some oilers fans have been in the past.

Glad we're on the same page.

No offense, but it would be straight up, or even Edm adding something. I know fans don't want to hear that, but teams value pmd defensemen more then top 6 wingers.
- cap1681

No offense taken. I was just commenting on an earlier proposal from a non-Oilers fan that no one but Oilers fans seemed to detest.

Ryan Wilson: Kris Letang for Jordan Eberle
Kris Letang for Jordan Eberle
- Ryan_Wilson

Why would Penguins made that trade? Letang can get same amount of points as a defenseman.

Honestly, he isn't.

Let's retreat to our corners where you say "trust me, I've watched a lot of Letang" and I say "trust me, I've watched a lot of Oilers games" and then we argue about whether I've seen more Letang than you've seen Oilers games and it ends at a stalemate, but I really don't think he's EXACTLY what Edmonton needs.

He'd make the team better, but he isn't a perfect fit imo.
- Morris

My thought on the trade idea is the fact that aquiring a #1 defenseman via trade is very rare. You don't see guys like Weber or Suter move, unless a team is severly overpaying them in FA. Yes, Letang may not be a good fit for Edm, but any team would benefit from a guy who plays 25+ minutes a night, will go against the other teams top forwards, and can play both PP and PK time, while adding 50-60 points a season. Those guys don't come along very often. Letang is still growing as a player, and the flashes of greatness in both ends of the ice happen all the time. Would it hurt if he left the Penguins, yes, but they have the youth and depth at D to try and fill the hole he would leave.

I've watched a fair deal of Tanev myself (I'm surrounded by Nucks fans) and, while he has been very good this season, he's still only averaging 20 minutes per game and does so while being sheltered behind one of the league's strongest top-4s and in a system that helps make it's Dmen look better than they may be.

And yes, they could move both Eberle and a top-5 pick this season for some pretty damn quality assets for the back end. Don't get wrong, that deal does make some sense, but I just think the value is a tad off. Also, you're a divisional rival!
- MaximumBone

Agreed. If we were offering up Eberle and our 1st we could get much better offers than Edler and Tanev.

And Edler has a NTC. Why does he continue to come up?

For a guy that understands chemistry and the specific fit of an individual player when you're talking about Kunitz and Crosby, you seem to show a misunderstanding of the situation here.

Letang is a great player, and would be a great player on the Oilers, but he's not a perfect fit. We only get one chance to trade assets we have a surplus of for assets we need. It's arguable that we'd be creating a hole in trading Eberle to fill another hole. But even if you reject that wholesale, after we trade Eberle, we don't really have the assets to make another big trade.

So it's necessary that the player we acquire is not only an upgrade on our D core - because let's face it, many players would be - but is an excellent fit given the precise needs of our team. And many would argue that Letang isn't that player.
- Morris

They have klefbom and nurse... Hall, RNH, ganger, yak and prob a top 2 or 3 pick in next years draft ... So yes I think they have plenty if assets... I agree there are 15 d men better then letang and are a better fit , but none of them are available ... Just one quick question ... What team in the whole league would nt want letang? ( with cap room) letang is not the solution for edm , but it's logical to think he could be part of it

On the topic of the blog, I would say the possession numbers argument is a good one, but it's not a true diagnosis of the oilers faults. I would say the reason those numbers are so bad is the following:

1) Poor/Inconsistent Zone Exits
2) Poor/Inconsistent Zone Entries
3) Poor/Inconsistent Boardplay/Cycling
4) Lack of Point Shot / Front of net Play
5) Consistently Poor Coverage in Dzone
6) Consistently Poor Coverage in Neutral Zone/Transitions

MaximumBone is right that Letang could help us in some of these areas. But I'm not convinced he's the best fit, although he may be the best fit available. In which case MacT has a decision to make.

If you take that deal then we have other issues. Jultz or Petry would need to go as there would no longer be a spot for one of them. Then you have to find a top 6 RW to replace Eberle. Not to mention Letang is outside of Edmonton's " salary limit".

There are so many reasons its not a fit. And all the Pens fans pushing for it is a big clue as to the reason it is no good. I wouldn't do it. And gladly I don't think Mact would either.
- Iggysbff

Neither Petry nor Schultz would HAVE to go. You just have a VERY strong RHD depth chart Also, who's to say Schultz doesn't develop into the Dman we need him to be? Move him to RW and you've got your replacement (along with Perron with Hall and Yak at LW).

Sorry, I'm making too many hypothetical situations now

They have klefbom and nurse... Hall, RNH, ganger, yak and prob a top 2 or 3 pick in next years draft ... So yes I think they have plenty if assets... I agree there are 15 d men better then letang and are a better fit , but none of them are available ... Just one quick question ... What team in the whole league would nt want letang? ( with cap room) letang is not the solution for edm , but it's logical to think he could be part of it
- Brianandr1

I'm not opposed to acquiring Letang per se, especially if he is in fact one of the few that are available.

I just think it's a bit tiresome when people keep telling oilers fans that any dman that is better than our best dman is EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED and if we don't think so WE MUST ENJOY LOSING. Not that that's you or anything

Why would Penguins made that trade? Letang can get same amount of points as a defenseman.
- SPIDEROCKSTAR

That's good cause he is a defenseman

Neither Petry nor Schultz would HAVE to go. You just have a VERY strong RHD depth chart Also, who's to say Schultz doesn't develop into the Dman we need him to be? Move him to RW and you've got your replacement (along with Perron with Hall and Yak at LW).

Sorry, I'm making too many hypothetical situations now
- MaximumBone

Ya you're creating more questions than you are giving answers...

On the topic of the blog, I would say the possession numbers argument is a good one, but it's not a true diagnosis of the oilers faults. I would say the reason those numbers are so bad is the following:

1) Poor/Inconsistent Zone Exits
2) Poor/Inconsistent Zone Entries
3) Poor/Inconsistent Boardplay/Cycling
4) Lack of Point Shot / Front of net Play
5) Consistently Poor Coverage in Dzone
6) Consistently Poor Coverage in Neutral Zone/Transitions

MaximumBone is right that Letang could help us in some of these areas. But I'm not convinced he's the best fit, although he may be the best fit available. In which case MacT has a decision to make.
- Morris

I bolded the areas he would definitely help (again assuming good health). My only thing is- as you mentioned- can we find a Dman that covers more of those needs for a reasonable cost?

Why would Penguins made that trade? Letang can get same amount of points as a defenseman.
- SPIDEROCKSTAR

I don't think the Penguins make that trade. They already have a stacked top 6 and Eberle is not going to play on the 3rd line.

According to Edmonton fans Eberle is almost untouchable, same with RNH, Hall and Yakopov even though they are looking right at another lottery pick this year.

My thought on the trade idea is the fact that aquiring a #1 defenseman via trade is very rare. You don't see guys like Weber or Suter move, unless a team is severly overpaying them in FA. Yes, Letang may not be a good fit for Edm, but any team would benefit from a guy who plays 25+ minutes a night, will go against the other teams top forwards, and can play both PP and PK time, while adding 50-60 points a season. Those guys don't come along very often. Letang is still growing as a player, and the flashes of greatness in both ends of the ice happen all the time. Would it hurt if he left the Penguins, yes, but they have the youth and depth at D to try and fill the hole he would leave.
- cap1681

Well I think this whole situation makes three large assumptions:

1) Letang and Eberle are definitely available.
2) Letang and Eberle straight up is a trade that both teams would say yes to.
3) No other roughly comparable dmen are definitely available.

And under those assumptions I agree it's a good move to consider, I just am not prepared to make any of those three assumptions.

I'd also think the return would have to be Letang+ for Eberle. How about:

Letang + Beau Bennett, 2nd

for

Eberle.
- Flyers_V88

That is incredibly bad.

Ya you're creating more questions than you are giving answers...
- Iggysbff

Like I always do!

I don't think the Penguins make that trade. They already have a stacked top 6 and Eberle is not going to play on the 3rd line.

According to Edmonton fans Eberle is almost untouchable, same with RNH, Hall and Yakopov even though they are looking right at another lottery pick this year.
- fiveandagame

Dupuis is older than 35 and is going to be coming off of ACL surgery. He may very well be best suited for a 3rd line role going forward, which is why the Pens are in the market for a Top 6 Winger, and by default if that happens, Dupuis move to the bottom 6 for next year helps to shore up that real weakness as well

I bolded the areas he would definitely help (again assuming good health). My only thing is- as you mentioned- can we find a Dman that covers more of those needs for a reasonable cost?
- MaximumBone

Of those, 1), 5) and 6) are the biggest concerns for the Oilers IMO. Short of making the occasional gaffe Letang is certainly a solid puck mover.

I'm thinking also in terms of this: If Eberle gets Letang who's a pretty good fit, would a lesser asset than Eberle get a lesser dman than Letang who's an excellent fit? And would that make the team better than if they did eberle<-->Letang?

I don't think the Penguins make that trade. They already have a stacked top 6 and Eberle is not going to play on the 3rd line.

According to Edmonton fans Eberle is almost untouchable, same with RNH, Hall and Yakopov even though they are looking right at another lottery pick this year.
- fiveandagame

You should read more Oilers fans comment. The only guys we're not really open to moving are RNH and Hall. Understandably imo.

I'm not opposed to acquiring Letang per se, especially if he is in fact one of the few that are available.

I just think it's a bit tiresome when people keep telling oilers fans that any dman that is better than our best dman is EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED and if we don't think so WE MUST ENJOY LOSING. Not that that's you or anything
- Morris

I got u ... It just seems form reading edm threads that the solution some fans expect is doughty, weber, Suter , Chara et .. That's not happening... I have the same issue with some of the pens fans that don't want to trade d prospects for certain wingers that " don't fit our needs exactly"... Ex the ROR talk ... If u have a need u try to fill it best u can ... U guys know the oilers much better them I ... But seems like they would be a better team plus letang/ minus eberle ... It's had to imagine they d be worse

Dupuis is older than 35 and is going to be coming off of ACL surgery. He may very well be best suited for a 3rd line role going forward, which is why the Pens are in the market for a Top 6 Winger, and by default if that happens, Dupuis move to the bottom 6 for next year helps to shore up that real weakness as well
- ryman1566

Fair enough, but I think Letang is better player then Eberle and IMO he (when healthy) brings more to the Penguins roster then Eberle would.

You should read more Oilers fans comment. The only guys we're not really open to moving are RNH and Hall. Understandably imo.
- TheTaoOfSemenko

I guess my point is that Oiler fans (like fans of every team) are overvaluing guys like Eberle and Yakopov. Both are very good young players and if the Oilers were looking to trade them they should be able to aquire some very good assets, but some of the proposals I have seen for these players are insane.

I got u ... It just seems form reading edm threads that the solution some fans expect is doughty, weber, Suter , Chara et .. That's not happening... I have the same issue with some of the pens fans that don't want to trade d prospects for certain wingers that " don't fit our needs exactly"... Ex the ROR talk ... If u have a need u try to fill it best u can ... U guys know the oilers much better them I ... But seems like they would be a better team plus letang/ minus eberle ... It's had to imagine they d be worse
- Brianandr1

No in fact most of the regulars say over and over that Weber, Suter, Chara, doughty etc are never happening. What we need is not that type of trade but for a more complimentary fit.

I disagree we are better with Letang and without Eberle.

Pittsburgh wins, Eberle is a PPG player with Crosby or Malkin.

I got u ... It just seems form reading edm threads that the solution some fans expect is doughty, weber, Suter , Chara et .. That's not happening... I have the same issue with some of the pens fans that don't want to trade d prospects for certain wingers that " don't fit our needs exactly"... Ex the ROR talk ... If u have a need u try to fill it best u can ... U guys know the oilers much better them I ... But seems like they would be a better team plus letang/ minus eberle ... It's had to imagine they d be worse
- Brianandr1

I agree that a dman that's better than Letang is not happening for any price we're willing to pay. I do feel like any number of dmen could help our situation though given how dire our D Core is

For MacT, he needs to resist the urge to make a desperate move. Just as you don't want to kid yourself that things are going swimmingly, you don't want to posture yourself as a GM that "needs to make a move" when dealing with a GM that "wants to make a move". That's a good way to get burned. Or, at the very least, hastily make a move that improves your roster but doesn't fully fix its problems.

For Shero, I can totally understand why he'd be worried about a 'perfect fit'. His team is great even if he stands pat, and bringing in Murray/Morrow/Iginla didn't work specifically because they didn't seem to fit in. It's not a tragedy if MacT acquires Letang and the fit isn't perfect, but it might be if Shero gives up Letang and Eberle doesn't fit well in Pittsburgh.